Donald Hunt

Don Hunt, 79, of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away on Thursday morning, May 14, 2015, at Washington Regional hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born to Blanche and George Hunt on October 26, 1935, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Don lived every day to the fullest, battling cancer of the vocal cords, diabetes, and Parkinson's. Don married Donna Rae Marie Kovacevich on August 17, 1957, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Phil. He is survived by his wife, Donna; his sons, Scott (Gail) and Steve (Karen); his daughters, Amy and Angie (Jeff); and his sisters, Roberta, Geri (Ron), and Juliana. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren, along with nine great-grandchildren. In addition, Don will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and lifetime friends scattered across the country. Don was in the Air Force from 1954-1958. After his honorable discharge, Don worked as an electrician at a paper mill in Wisconsin before moving on to a successful career in construction management. He did numerous projects in the power and refining industries before retiring from Fluor Daniel in 1996. After his retirement, Don and Donna moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas where he enjoyed precious time as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Don was a 3rd and 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus and his "hobbies" were numerous. He was a master woodcarver, a mentor and friend to the Bella Vista Woodcarver Club. As a result of his and his family's love of music, he also became an accomplished violin builder. Don was also an avid motorcyclist and loved touring America on his Goldwing. He loved playing backgammon and chess; and even more, he loved teaching children to play so he always had a challenger. As an active member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Bella Vista, he founded the Rosary Guild, which supplied thousands of rosaries throughout the world. Don will always be remembered for his passion to learn and his willingness to help anyone, anywhere, anytime. And anyone that spent time with Don eventually witnessed him putting pen to napkin, to explain how "something" worked. Funeral services will be held at St. Bernard's at 10 a.m. on June 13, 2015, with Fr. Barnabas Maria-Susai, IMS, presiding. A rosary will be said prior to the service at 9:30 a.m., and a reception to celebrate Don's life will be held at the church hall following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Bernard's Catholic Church.